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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Utah lawmakers have agreed to lessen the penalty for minors who send or receive nude pictures through their cell phones, called "sexting."
House Bill 14, sponsored by Rep. Sheryl Allen, R-Bountiful, would reduce the penalty for someone younger than 18 to a misdemeanor from a felony. Those over 18 could still face felony charges.
Sen. Gregory Bell, R-Fruit Heights, says some parents currently interfere with investigations because they don't want their children to be charged with a felony.
The bill passed the Senate on Wednesday and now goes to the governor.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
